For more information and to register, please email journeysonthemat@gmail.com

A Journey Of Love (2 Hours)

What would it mean to fall madly, deeply, fully in love with yourself? What would you do differently? Would your inner voice change?

Heather takes participants on a Journey of Love through movement, breath work, energetics, and stillness. With slow flow, we tap into our deeper truths – discovering our strength, joy, and truth. Taking time to tune in and feel into each posture, participants will shift their perspective of themselves from the inside out.

Heather guides participants to meet what is calling to them and awakening the peaceful warrior within.

All levels welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a journal and something to write with.

CAD $40

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Softening Into Self and Soul (2 or 3 Hours)

Many of us play multiple roles in our lives…parent, children, sibling, friend, career-driver.

In the midst of our to-dos and should-dos, we can lose touch with our inner landscape. Utilizing dialogue, breath work, energetics, meditation, and a restorative practice, we will (re)learn the importance of and honour our truths.

Through restorative yoga, a guided meditation, and gentle energetic adjustments, Heather brings participants into a state of awareness that speaks to the soul. A dynamically soft and gentle practice enables the system to relax and release, allowing the practitioner to “listen” and tune in to what the body, mind, and soul need…in each moment.

All levels welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a journal and something to write with.

CAD $40

REGISTER FOR BOTH WORKSHOPS AT CAD $65!SPACE IS LIMITED!

For more information and to register, please email journeysonthemat@gmail.com

Too much going going going and doing doing doing left me feeling sad, depleted, and exhausted. At 3:30 in the afternoon, I crawled under the safety of the covers, willing the softness of the blankets to work their magic on my frantic mind and sore body.

And, here’s the thing…it took me getting to that point to learn a big lesson. Sometime, we have to give ourselves permission to “not.”

To not do anything, say anything, be anywhere. To not have to engage, or work, or whatever it is that keeps our minds and bodies teetering on the consistent edges of exhaustion. We live in a world that demands constant connection and fast responses. How many of us have sent a text and then tapped our foot impatiently as the seconds and minutes roll by in anticipation of a text back. These responses we wait for have somehow become affirmation of our existence on this planet…the yes, we are here, and yes, we do matter. Do they “like” me, do they “see” me, am I “good enough,” and is what I am saying “worthy?”

Rather than holding our own existence gently in our core being, we farm it out – on social media, in our interactions with people, in the the things we purchase, and in the spaces we work. We are beholden to being there, doing that, meeting this person, showing up here and there and everywhere despite the call of our souls to come back home. Not home in the physical four walls sense, but home in the space that resides in the stillness and quiet deep within. That space I needed to reconnect to under the covers last Friday.

Not doing can feel (and has been labelled) lazy. Not doing conjures up this idea that we are missing out somehow. Not doing suggests an unwillingness to participate – and that, in our society, is just not acceptable. When we give ourselves permission to “not,” we are in fact doing one of the most important things for ourselves…we are giving ourselves a chance to rest, restore, reconnect, rewire. We are giving ourselves a moment to take a deep breath and feel those things that haven’t had a chance to be felt. We are allowing space for processing and integration.

That’s why the practices of restorative yoga and poses like savasana are so important. They give our bodies a moment to recalibrate, to absorb, to surrender, to let go. Meditation itself is the practice of finding stillness and “not.” Not overthinking, not judging, not moving. These are practices that ask us to come home again and again, to recognize when we want to distract in order to avoid, and to experience the feeling of “not” – even for just a brief second.

There is a sweetness and power in giving permission to “not.” A care and respect for body, soul, and mind. A practice we should be undertaking much more often.

I used to worry incessantly about the details. I would get wrapped up in ensuring the final product or event or…anything, was done to my exacting standards. At the time, I didn’t understand the impact my perfectionist tendencies were having both on myself and on others in my life.

In regards to myself, insomnia was a constant companion. In fact, in my quest for perfection in college, I exhausted myself to the point where, one frosty winter morning following my 4 AM – 6 AM on-air shift at our college radio station, I returned to my dorm room and collapsed halfway into my space and halfway into the hallway. Needless to say, some of the other residents on my floor were wondering what was up with the girl laying on the floor snoring! I would rehearse dance pieces over and over again, never feeling as though I really put forward a performance that met my personal expectation. I abused myself with food and my inner monologue, constantly pushing myself further and further until one day in my early 20s, I became so ill, I literally could not walk and instead dragged myself across my apartment floor…which is where my roommate found me and immediately demanded that I go into therapy (note: I did just that and am forever grateful to my friend who used some tough love in the moment I needed it the most).

As for others, my friends and family watched from the sidelines as I demanded more and more from my body, soul, and mind. In turn, I demanded more from them as well – although I wasn’t aware of it at the time. In order to not send me into a fluster, they entertained my exacting standards for everything in life. I remember setting up for a party I was hosting in my space one summer. My now-husband had never, up until that point, experienced my need to ensure everything was perfect for the impending arrival of guests and stood in wonder (and, without doubt, some annoyance) at the agitated flurry I was making when re-arranging the way he set up the plates and silverware on the table (note: I am grateful he chose to stick with me after witnessing my perfectionist edge…he’s been a witness to this journey of letting go).

My need for perfection lessened, but still persisted, with the help of therapy and self-reflection. I didn’t want to live in the space of demand constantly. It was becoming more and more exhausting keeping up with the demands I kept putting in front of myself.

There was one place of respite…my yoga mat. There, anything and everything could happen. Toppled over in a pose? No problem…just try again! Unable to get your leg behind your head? Meh, who cares?! Handstands freaking you out? No need to push myself into something my body and system aren’t ready for.

In short, I was learning the art of the “perfectly-not-perfect.”

My release of perfection has been slow, but yoga has been instrumental in showing me that the perfection I sought was simply an illusion and, more importantly, a distraction. If I could wrap myself in the cloak of striving for perfection, I could avoid the harder work of changing what made me unhappy. I could avoid the tough conversations. I could subvert my anxiety and self-consciousness by distracting myself with the hard work being a perfectionist entails. I could avoid…myself.

Yoga taught me there isn’t perfection to strive for…only the perfect that already exists NOW. Being in the NOW means meeting yourself fully and completely, just as you are. My process of meeting myself has taken time, but I’ve fallen in love with the person I am – because she is “perfectly-not-perfect!”

When I meditate and am fully embodied in the present moment, there is nothing else to consider, nothing else to do, no striving, no working toward something. There is only what is. Once we realize that every moment on the mat is this series of “nothing else to consider, nothing else to do, no striving, no working toward something” we are suddenly free to experience everything and realize that the perfect is right here with us RIGHT NOW.

I’ll admit that I get frustrated when I hear people talking about yoga as though it is a series of goals to be accomplished. As if there is some end game to our practice once we achieve a posture. In reality, there is beauty in the never-ending process that our practice provides because it has the ability to teach us about our divinity and the perfect that exists in us just as we are – regardless of if we ever do full Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose – splits), or not. It is the perfection in every moment of getting there…the beauty of BEing in that process…that is really what our practice can be about celebrating.

Celebrate your perfection, just as you are. Celebrate the perfection in others, just as they are. There is nothing else we need to do in that regard. When honouring our perfection in this very moment, we (and those around us) are suddenly free of expectation, free of the to-do list, and free of the disappointment that comes with striving for something that can never be attained (because it never existed in the first place).

Emphasizing the practical and experiential aspects of this art and science, our curriculum includes Vinyasa/Hatha Flow and Yin Yoga as its foundation. Furthermore, we honor all authentic wisdom traditions in our studies, exploring the universal values and inherent truths in all genuine approaches to growth and evolution, both ancient and modern, from India and beyond.

Become a more fully blossomed yogi and a confident, qualified yoga teacher!

USD $3600 includes tuition, two manuals, and a complimentary massage.

For more information and an application, please email info@schoolofsacredarts.net or visit http://www.schoolofsacredarts.net/upcoming-events/#ert_pane1-0

I went for a hike this past weekend. On my own. To get away and to be surrounded by nature. To know I could go on my own, feel the sun beating down, the cold air fuelling my lungs.

I came across a pinecone…lying there in the path and I thought of just how symbolic it is.

Barbs on the outside protecting the precious seeds – those starters of life – on the inside. Only unveiling that soft, fragile interior at just the right moment, the moment after the long fall from the highest branches above.

We all have to go through that fall at time in our lives. The drop that impacts our sense of self, our foundation shaken, all that we have known turned upside down. That free fall enables us to transform into just what we were meant to be…

That free fall is a terrifying journey – one that requires trust and a knowing that others have gone before and many more will follow after. That this fall is part of what is meant to be in our lives, so that we can give more, be more, and give back in a much greater capacity than we ever thought possible.

I’ve been in this free fall for a while know…wondering when my feet will hit the earth below. Wondering when it will be my turn to share, and give back, and flourish in the ways I believe I can. Every time I think I’m just about to land, I have another few more feet to go.

That falling is scary, sometimes lonely, and requires a patience that I am continuing to cultivate. It conjures up a longing for the familiar, but a knowing that once I land, nothing will be the same.

This journey from the upper branches to the earth below is also my preparation. My time to ponder what is to come and ensure that I am truly ready. It is a chance for me to ready myself to spread my wings and open wide…body, mind, and soul. It will be the moment when the barbs no longer will provide me with the armour I’ve had on for so long, but I will instead allow the glow of inner light to spread far and wide…just like the seeds of the pinecone do.

We all have our “pinecone moments.” Some last a moment, and others can feel like they are lasting a lifetime. We may have more than one journey in our lives.

2016 has begun. I’m finding there are two different starts to the year out there as I talk to family and friends…

There is the “Oh-my-goodness-this-is-going-to-be-the-greatest-year-ever!” camp. January was inspired, creative, fired up, connected, and full of goals accomplished and intentions set. That is awesome and I am giving you all virtual hugs and high-fives for rocking it out and being a source of inspiration to me (no joke, you all are the ones that keep me going)!

There is also the “Oh-my-goodness-I-can’t-believe-January-took-that-long-why-do-I-feel-so-unsure-and-unsteady-and-what-direction-do-I-turn?” camp. January for this group was filled with sadness, anxiety, confusion, shakiness, and, most of all, uncertainty for what this year will hold.

To those in the second camp…I HEAR YOU. You are not alone.

Uncertainty can be one of the hardest places to sit. When I looked at the words associated with uncertainty, this is what came back: doubt, qualm, misgiving, apprehension, quandary, reservation, scruple, second thought, query, question, question mark, and suspicion. For those of you feeling uncertain out there – myself included – these words might ring true…in fact, you might have some additional words of your own you’d like to add to the list. No wonder we don’t like being in this space.

I mean…really. don’t. like. it.

Uncertainty is exhausting and when it feels chronic, it can be hard to push through and see the silver lining. From what I’ve seen and experienced, uncertainty can be felt in the root of our energetic system. That place where we feel grounded, stable, and secure. I’ve noticed when that sense of stability is missing (especially when it pertains to our basic needs – food, shelter, etc.), the rest of our energetic system can be affected, thus impacting our ability to be creative, feel empowered, give love and attention, voice our fears and opinions, and see what options are ahead of us. When uncertainty is present, our entire body can feel out of alignment – physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

There are some methods to deal with this uncertainty and I thought I would share two of my favourites with you.

The first is a simple grounding meditation that gets us connected to our Root Chakra (Muladhara). Our Root Chakra is located in the very base of the reproductive organs and, when properly engaged and aligned, can enable us to feel strong, stable, and connected. When we are disconnected from our Root Chakra, it can cause alignment issues through the rest of the main seven Chakras as they travel up the mid-line of the body. This in turn can affect our emotional, physical, and mental states. To tap into your Root and feel more grounded, I invite you to practice this short and sweet meditation…

The second is to identify, name, and write down those feelings you want to invite into your being. By mindfully thinking about this and writing a list of what you want to feel, it can help ground you in your desired feeling state. Do you want to feel Joy? Empowered? Secure? Loved? Heard? Visible? Whatever feeling you desire, put it on paper and take some time to think of ways you can invite that feeling into your life. I recommend doing this practice at least once at the start of the week and then revisiting your feelings as often as you wish (I tend to look at mine in the morning and the evening each day).

When we work with our energetic alignment, oftentimes, we are working with the seven main chakras in the body. Think of these as points of energy from which we can set intentions and bring our focus when working with movement, our breath, and meditation.

I created this quick guide for those who are interested in a reference for the chakras (just click on the image below for a PDF). I’ve also blogged in the past around my experience with the chakras here, here, and here.

This little piece is in no way comprehensive, and gives just the very highest of overviews. There are a variety of places to find out more and I encourage every practitioner to explore their energetic body! It can deepen and enhance your practice – both on (and off!) the mat!

Our 8-week intro courses are designed to ensure you learn the basics you will need for Open Level classes and beyond. These classes are great for brand-new beginners, those re-starting their practice after a long break, and also for students who are new to practicing alignment-based yoga. Focus is on standing poses and key principles of alignment to increase strength, balance, stamina, and flexibility. Intro classes will build progressively from week to week to empower new students to move deeper into the practice in a safe and consistent way. Classes also incorporate breathing techniques and restorative poses to release tension and reduce stress.

Our 8-week intro courses are designed to ensure you learn the basics you will need for Open Level classes and beyond. These classes are great for brand-new beginners, those re-starting their practice after a long break, and also for students who are new to practicing alignment-based yoga. Focus is on standing poses and key principles of alignment to increase strength, balance, stamina, and flexibility. Intro classes will build progressively from week to week to empower new students to move deeper into the practice in a safe and consistent way. Classes also incorporate breathing techniques and restorative poses to release tension and reduce stress.

Our 8-week intro courses are designed to ensure you learn the basics you will need for Open Level classes and beyond. These classes are great for brand-new beginners, those re-starting their practice after a long break, and also for students who are new to practicing alignment-based yoga. Focus is on standing poses and key principles of alignment to increase strength, balance, stamina, and flexibility. Intro classes will build progressively from week to week to empower new students to move deeper into the practice in a safe and consistent way. Classes also incorporate breathing techniques and restorative poses to release tension and reduce stress.